Digital Solutions and Youth Empowerment in Sustainable Agrifood Systems

The FAO and WFF report highlights how digital technologies empower youth to drive sustainable agrifood transformation but notes barriers like digital access, infrastructure, and training. Addressing these challenges through targeted support can enhance youth engagement and leadership in the sector.

The report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Forum (WFF), delves into the role of digital technologies in engaging youth in the transformation of agrifood systems. Youth, positioned uniquely at the intersection of current challenges and future impacts, are viewed as essential agents of change in the agrifood sector, a perspective that aligns with the goals of the FAO and the WFF. This collaborative research highlights how digital technologies can empower youth to drive sustainable agrifood practices and innovations that address pressing issues like climate change, food security, and rural development. Through a combination of case studies, literature reviews, and a survey capturing youth perspectives, the report identifies four critical ways in which digital technologies support youth engagement in agrifood transformation: as tools used in projects, as platforms developed by youth, as channels encouraging active participation, and as means of empowering youth in decision-making. Digital technologies, by enabling tasks to be performed more efficiently, reaching wider audiences, and facilitating collaborations, offer youth in the agrifood sector unprecedented advantages for implementing solutions to the sector's diverse challenges. However, the FAO and WFF's findings also underscore significant challenges related to digital access, infrastructure, and training, especially in underserved regions.

Youth-Led Digital Innovations in Agrifood Systems

The report identifies numerous examples of how digital technologies play a central role in youth-led agrifood initiatives. One example is Agro2o in India, which leverages AI to support urban agriculture by enabling residents in densely populated areas to grow fresh, sustainable produce locally, reducing reliance on imported goods. Another initiative, Zindi, connects over 30,000 African data scientists with agrifood challenges, including AI-driven solutions to improve crop management and optimize resources, thus driving agricultural innovation and job creation. The Science and Technology Backyard program in China engages young scientists and local farmers through digital tools that improve crop yields, water efficiency, and sustainability in smallholder farms. In Ghana, the Savannah Young Farmers Network has introduced audio conferencing technology to link rural youth with agricultural experts, fostering agricultural skills and encouraging youth retention in farming by making the sector more attractive and accessible. These examples illustrate how digital technologies are enabling youth-led solutions that address specific regional challenges in agrifood systems, from promoting sustainability to enhancing economic opportunities.

Bridging the Digital Divide for Equitable Agrifood Access

Despite the numerous benefits that digital technology offers, the report reveals persistent barriers, particularly for youth in low-resource settings where digital inclusion remains a challenge. Access to affordable digital tools and reliable internet connectivity is limited in many rural areas, where infrastructure gaps hinder the effective use of these technologies. Surveyed youth report that knowledge gaps also pose significant barriers, as limited training opportunities and a lack of digital literacy hinder the adoption of advanced tools like AI and data analytics. Financial limitations are another obstacle, as the costs of digital tools can be prohibitive for young entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers. The FAO and WFF recommend targeted interventions to bridge these gaps, including subsidies to reduce financial barriers, investments in broadband and mobile infrastructure, and digital literacy programs that address local needs and adapt to different literacy levels and cultural contexts. These recommendations emphasize the importance of making digital tools more accessible and ensuring that youth are equipped with the skills necessary to use these tools effectively.

Creating Opportunities for Youth in Decision-Making

The report also highlights the potential of digital technologies to increase youth involvement in decision-making within the agrifood sector, a factor that is critical for shaping policies and programs aligned with the interests of younger generations. Platforms like Act4Food allow youth to pledge support for initiatives that drive food system transformation, while Bite Back in the United Kingdom empowers young activists to advocate for healthier, more sustainable food systems through a manifesto that pressures policymakers and companies to uphold higher standards. These digital platforms not only amplify youth voices but also create opportunities for engagement with decision-makers, thereby ensuring that youth perspectives are included in the policy-making process. However, digital tools alone are not enough to ensure inclusivity. Many youth in underserved regions still lack access to the technology necessary for participation in virtual forums, and systemic barriers, such as power imbalances and social inequality, further limit meaningful youth involvement in agrifood decision-making. To address these issues, the FAO and WFF advocate for policies that increase the inclusivity of digital decision-making spaces and call on regional and international organizations to facilitate youth engagement by providing digital training and support.

Building a Resilient Future through Strategic Support

While digital technologies present immense opportunities for youth engagement in agrifood systems, the FAO and WFF report highlights the need for strategic support to maximize their impact. Addressing barriers to access, infrastructure, and skills development will be essential for achieving equitable digital inclusion and fostering a new generation of youth leaders in agrifood transformation. The report’s recommendations emphasize investing in affordable digital tools, building long-term digital capacities, and promoting youth-led innovations, as these initiatives can enable young people to become more effective participants and decision-makers in the agrifood sector. Digital technology, as the report demonstrates, has the potential to transform agrifood systems by making them more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient, provided that the structural and systemic challenges facing youth are addressed.